Disabled – How to Choose the Right Wheelchair

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People spend a great deal of time searching for the perfect wheelchair. Typically,  what comes to mind is comfort, pricing, and daily needs. We provide a large variety of self-propelled wheelchairs, caregiver propelled wheelchairs, and standing wheelchairs.

Choosing the right wheelchair requires having a good strategy and research during your search.

Choosing a Category

Manual Wheelchairs

This category covers over 10 different types of manual wheelchairs, some self-propelled, others caregiver propelled.

Nearly all wheelchairs in this category are self propelled, for the exception of Transport and Travel wheelchairs. . These can only be pushed by the caretaker, as the rear wheel size does not allow the user to reach.

Ergonomic Wheelchairs

This series of foldable wheelchairs features an ultra lightweight frame made from T6 Aircraft Grade Aluminum, and a Patented Ergonomic S-Shape Seat Frame, which relieves pressure throughout the body and prevents health concerns with the lower back and bottom.

The ergonomic wheelchair series comes with Aegis Microbe Shield cushions, which provides an anti-microbial barrier that protects from odor, staining, and deterioration from bacteria, fungus and other microorganisms.

Karman Healthcare receives raving reviews about this series; great customer feedback makes this the most popular series in the industry.

Ultra Lightweight Wheelchairs

Our ultra lightweight wheelchair series, eaturing weight ranges from 25-34 pounds, is a great choice when you need a wheelchair that is lightweight, foldable, and durable.

This category covers a large amount of varying wheelchair options and accessories. If you are looking for the perfect fit, style, and performance in a wheelchair, with stock and optional removable and adjustable components, including swing away footrests, and height adjustable frame.

Lightweight Wheelchairs

The Lightweight Manual Wheelchair is an immense upgrade, over a heavy wheelchair that can cause your condition to worsen and may also lead to further physical problems. In the last decade wheelchairs that are lightweight and foldable have become the norm in industry.

Ranging from 29-34 lbs., our series of lightweight wheelchairs covers a wide range of conditional needs and lifestyle options that may cater to you. Although not as light as an ultra light wheelchair, this series offers many advantages over generic wheelchairs, they are easier to fold and often more portable.

This series ranges from 14 inches all the way up to 30 inches, and maximum weight capacity of 550 lbs.

Transport Wheelchairs

Transport foldable wheelchairs are a perfect solution for anyone looking for a lightweight portable frame, which features smaller rear wheel size, to allow more portability.

Since. smaller wheels are used with these chairs, they are designed to only be propelled by a caregiver or other individual, which explains why they are referred to as “companion chairs” in the industry. Chairs in this category weigh between 18-29 lbs., and most also feature swing-leg rests, and fixed armrests and side panels.

Standard Wheelchairs

Standard Manual Wheelchairs are the most commonly used type of wheelchair, if you’re searching for a standard wheelchair with a durable frame and long-lasting support, take a look at our standard wheelchairs.

The Standard Wheelchair usually weighs over 35 lbs, have a seat width between 16 and 20 inches, and feature fixed or detachable armrests. Most are made with steel frames and can be an economical and consistent mobility choice. Almost all standard wheelchairs can support up to 250 lb.

Recliner Wheelchairs

Reclining wheelchairs are designed to allow a user to recline at incremental angles safely and comfortably. Some of our reclining wheelchairs come stock with Elevating Leg Rests, on other reclining wheelchairs, they are optional.

Tilt Wheelchairs

Tilting Wheelchairs prevent serious health issues like pressure sores by allowing the wheelchair user to tilt their seat position to a more comfortable setting.

By balancing the weight of the user in a tilting motion, the pressure on the user’s back and bottom is reduced significantly.

Active Wheelchairs

Commonly referred to as a Sport Wheelchair, the active wheelchair is suitable for users with an active lifestyle, who enjoy to play sports and need an ultra lightweight frame to suit their daily needs. Seat Height adjustment is just one of many features in this series.

Bariatric Wheelchairs

Often referred to as a Heavy Duty Wheelchair or Extra Wide Wheelchair, known for its extra weight capacity, reinforced cross braces.

We offer a weight cap of 550 lbs and a maximum seat width of 30”.

Pediatric Wheelchairs

We provide children’s pediatric wheelchairs that cater to parents and caregiver who take care of younger people with certain conditions.

Our wheelchairs provide assisting technology to all kinds of disorders; these rehabilitative benefits are further outlined in our pediatric stand up series of wheelchairs.

Standing Wheelchairs

Power Stand Up Wheelchairs featuring electric powered drive and multiple positions from sitting mode to standing mode, and angles in between.

The majority of Standing Power Wheelchairs come with an easy access joystick controller and other power features. This series also allows the user to drive while in a standing position.

Wheelchair Sizing and Dimensions

Wheelchair Seat Width

The first thing you should look into while searching for a wheelchair is the seat width. This is very important, as there is a specific size for every person’s need. 16 inches, 18 inches and 20 inches are common for most wheelchair models; some only provide an 18 in. seat width.

Pediatric Wheelchairs have an average wheelchair seat width of 14 inches, while the Bariatric wheelchair series provides a seat width of up to 30 in.

Seat Depth

Wheelchair Seat Depth is measured from the front to the back of the wheelchair seat. To find out the right seat depth for your wheelchair, you must measure from the back of the user’s pelvis to the back of their shins when sitting straight.

The easiest way to find out your Seat Depth for your potential new wheelchair, is to measure a previous wheelchair that you used before that you felt comfortable in.

Seat to Floor Height

The right Seat to Floor height is determined by measuring from the floor to the seat. Depending on the user’s need of the wheelchair, it is important to determine if their feet are dangling or if their feet are dragging on the floor, meaning that the seat to floor height is either too high or too low.

If the person is used to propelling themselves by the use of their feet, then it might be a good idea to get a Seat to Floor Height that is lower than their presumed height.

Back Height

The backrest on a wheelchair also has a measurement that you can gauge, from the top of the backrest to the bottom (top of the seat) would be the correct way to measure Back Height. Back height can also be extended with the use of optional accessories, which extend the top of the backrest.

Armrests

Basic armrests can be divided into two categories: desk length and full length. Desk length arms allow easier access to tables and desks. Full length arms provide extra arm support.

Optional features include flip-back or removable arms for easy transfers and adjustable height arms.

Leg Rests

The two basic leg rest styles include swingaway and elevating. Swingaway leg rests rotate to the side to allow the user to easily get in or out of the wheelchair.

Elevating. leg rests include a calf pad to raise the legs and prevent swelling. Both types of leg rests are removable. Some leg rests include tool-free adjustment to change the length of the leg rest.

Adjustable Backrest

Some wheelchairs include an adjustable backrest height for user comfort. Users who are taller or shorter than average may appreciate this feature.

Dual Axle

A dual axle wheelchair lets you adjust the chair from standard height to hemi height (about 2 inches lower than standard height). Hemi height allows the user to easily propel the chair with their feet. It also allows the seat height to be lowered for users under 5 feet tall.

Quick Release Wheels

Some wheelchairs include a quick release button to remove the rear wheels for compact storage and transport. This feature is designed for users looking for an ultra-portable wheelchair.

Other Resources

There is plenty of information on the web on how to choose a wheelchair that meets your needs and requirements, here are some helpful resources that will aid you in finding the right wheelchair for you.

Apparelyzed Wheelchair Guide

Ebay Buying a Wheelchair Guide

Spinal Cord Association Guide for Wheelchair Selection

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